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# Orthodox Young Adults Unite in Nation’s Capital for 2025 Connect Conference
- URL: https://uoj.news/news/85350-orthodox-young-adults-unite-in-nations-capital-for-2025-connect-conference/
- Published: 2025-10-07T13:30:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-25T16:09:46.000Z
- Description: Three-day gathering in Washington, D.C. offers spiritual renewal, fellowship, and inspiration for young adults across North America.
- Author: News
- Tags: #Category: News, Conferences, Orthodoxy in America, Young Adults, Fellowship

**WASHINGTON, D.C. —** From Oct. 3–5, 2025, Orthodox Christian young adults from across the U.S. and Canada gathered at the JW Marriott in the heart of the nation’s capital for the annual [Connect Conference](https://www.connectorthodox.org/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNSaqZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFXQlM0S1V3S3BVNEpTT3FwAR7qecPfttmmY%5FFKemfPRU6gR8pB7v084ssDOk9CCeOsoqoEvPN8LM9OLh6CyA%5Faem%5FtR1gGGt3fmIN3bL3ky464A), a weekend designed to foster connection, spiritual growth, and cross-jurisdictional fellowship.

[Friday’s kickoff](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1WBDCa5EzB/) featured a warm welcome, an icebreaker to get attendees mingling, and evening Vespers led by Fr. Paul Lundberg, the conference’s Development Coordinator. The night concluded with a lively social event at Clyde’s Restaurant in downtown D.C., setting the tone for a weekend of meaningful connection and joyful interaction.

![Attendees were welcomed to the 2025 Connect Conference on Friday. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/10/85350-orthodox-young-adults-unite-in-nations-capital-for-2025-connect-conference-body-1-8421f0efca92.jpg)

Attendees were welcomed to the 2025 Connect Conference on Friday. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook

[Saturday’s programming](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EkbSp11TV/) centered on faith and engagement, with thought-provoking talks by speakers Fr. John Parker, Katrina Bitar, and Daniel Bein. In the evening, Fr. David Subu – joined by Deacon Ken Liu of Orthodox Youth Ministries (OYM) – led Vespers and brought with him the relics of St. Olga of Alaska, blessing attendees with the opportunity to venerate the beloved American saint. The service, enhanced by a choir led by Subdeacon Nicholas Jones, offered a prayerful close to a day rich in spiritual reflection. Festivities continued with dinner and dancing, offering time for connection and celebration.

![A holy relic of St. Olga of Alaska was brought to the conference for veneration. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/10/85350-orthodox-young-adults-unite-in-nations-capital-for-2025-connect-conference-body-2-ce4d2f6394da.jpg)

A holy relic of St. Olga of Alaska was brought to the conference for veneration. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook

[Sunday’s final day](https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1K62EVnUxb/) began with Divine Liturgy at St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral. After worship, the group gathered for a final talk by Katrina Bitar and closing remarks. Spyridoula Fotinis, Director of the Inter-Parish Association, also spoke about the organization’s mission to build unity and cooperation across Orthodox parishes in the U.S.

![At the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook](https://uoj.news/content/images/2025/10/85350-orthodox-young-adults-unite-in-nations-capital-for-2025-connect-conference-body-3-c3c843676d04.jpg)

At the Lincoln Memorial on Sunday. Photo: Connect Conference for Orthodox Young Adults/Facebook

Though the conference officially ended Sunday, many attendees stayed for a post-event visit to the Lincoln Memorial, enjoying extra time for fellowship and reflection.

Special thanks were extended to the 2025 planning team – Julia Goussetis, James Thomas, Simeon Brasowski, Fr. Paul Lundberg, Larissa Hatch, Victor Lutes, and Charity Williamson – for their dedication to making the event a success.

Previously, [UOJ reported](https://uoj.news/news/85294-first-ever-orthodox-high-school-youth-retreat-coming-to-texas-this-fall/) that the Youth Department of the Midwest Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church is excited to announce its first-ever Orthodox youth retreat in Texas.